Abhisit brushes off Hun Sen comments

Published: 1/12/2009 at 11:30 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has feigned indifference to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's clear animosity to his remaining in office.

Mr Abhisit said he was not aware of reports that Mr Hun Sen was not happy with him and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and that the Cambodian government would not ask for their assistance.

"I believe the problem has arisen because someone could be trying to instigate a situation," the prime minister said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, said the Thai-Cambodia situation had improved to some extent, but the government had to be strong and calm after being criticised by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The government had to be very cautious about its ties with neighbouring countries, Mr Suthep said.

"Don't get stuck on Prime Minister Hun Sen's words. The government has been doing well so far and the problem will not spread to include other Asean member states," he said.

He repeated that the frontier with Cambodia will not be closed because the government cares about the people living along the border.

The decision to allow Cambodia to borrow 1.4 billion baht to build roads along the border will also not be affected, Mr Suthep said.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the government is still willing to cooperate with the Cambodian government in various projects and prefers a peaceful approach to settling any differences.

"But it will take time to restore Thai-Cambodian relations," he said.

Asked about Prime Minister Hun Sen's comment that Cambodia would see no happiness as long as Mr Abhisit and Mr Kasit remain in office, Mr Panitan said the ties between Thailand and Cambodia were about ensuring the best interests of the two countries, not just the interests of one person.

"I believe people from the two countries have a good understanding of the situation," he said.

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Apkosol

Discussion 12 : 01/12/2009 at 04:28 PM12
Source of Thai/Cambodia problem.
1)Thai Troop encroach to Cambodia territory.
2)Thai government protest UNESCO for accepting Cambodia's sovereign.
3)Thai government and opposition use Cambodia's property to advance their own internal politics.

SOLUTION to Thai/Cambodia normalizing.
1)Thai Troop must withdraw first.
2)Thai government respect Cambodia's property and stop interfere with UNESCO.
3)Thai government and opposition stop use Cambodia's property to advance their own internal political agenda.
AjarnChan

Discussion 11 : 01/12/2009 at 03:48 PM11
It is surely outrageous that Hun Sen should keep trying to interfere in Thailand's affairs.

Some people would argue he is just a Vietnamese stooge anyway, so perhaps he thinks that it is normal for neighbours to try to run other countries.

He really should mind his own business :(
member

Discussion 10 : 01/12/2009 at 02:59 PM10
Yes, Abhisit, you are correct.
Ignore his comments, there seems to be something messed up in his mind trying to spark another conflict. Childish, I say.
Tong

Discussion 9 : 01/12/2009 at 02:53 PM9
For PM Abbisit, I think it is too late for him. He should be diplomatic long ago. I remembered he said (what I read in BP) he will ask the cabinet to review all agreement with Cambodia, including 1,4 billion Baht loan.
Old Adage

Discussion 8 : 01/12/2009 at 02:11 PM8
When assessing such a situation and the words spoken you have to look at where people came from.....
Some were educated in the best schools and universities of the world and became politicians in a democratic society. Others, however, came to power with violence, fighting in the jungle and snatching power from others. These people are not politicians they are pugilists.
You can take a man out of the jungle.....but you can not take the jungle out of a man.

Enough said!
Chea

Discussion 7 : 01/12/2009 at 01:50 PM7
to solve the current khmer-thai problem. it's not hard if they're willing:

1. Pull out the troop from the border, Thailand start first bcuz Thailand the 1st that deployed the troopS.

2. Each Ambassador go back to work as normal

3. Thakshin should not be an adviser anymore.

4. All agreements and contracts keep intake as usual

5. Both leaders should thinks deeply before saying on airs to avoid affect the relationship.

6. One should follow what they said and signed with the other country,not just cancel anything idly, it's violated international law,damage your country image. what you said, you do different. later, who's going to believe you???
MSM

Discussion 6 : 01/12/2009 at 01:45 PM6
Again, it shows how weak is abisit and his government. This government got a really good lesson from Hun Sen after they pull the embassor to Cambodia back to BKK. Now, they have nothing to figh against Hun Sen. The best way is to try to be polite and calm, and ignore Hun Sen words.

Hun Sen never hides his skin, but the abisit government does.

It's rediculous that abisith government begs Hun Sen to keep borrowing the 1.4 billion baht from Thailand for the road project.
David

Discussion 5 : 01/12/2009 at 12:38 PM5
"I believe the problem has arisen because someone could be trying to instigate a situation," the prime minister said.

Yes, Khun Abhisit, your Foreign Minister Kasit.
Moe

Discussion 4 : 01/12/2009 at 12:21 PM4
Please be calm and strong Abhisit,you are educated person.
Take rest, no need to wake up from barking dog.
Justice

Discussion 3 : 01/12/2009 at 12:14 PM3
Yes, PM Abhisit is a true statesman and to have that characteristic is admirable.

Meanwhile, Hun Sen shows his true skin, and is the exact opposite. He is really doing his best to create a situation, most likely to benefit his buddy Thaksin, as there really is no other apparent reason to create problems between Cambodia and Thailand at this place in time.

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Abhisit brushes off Hun Sen comments